Today I’m starting with a fresh template for the eblast as I think through the weeks of cutting and pasting, I lost some of my formatting and people were emailing me that margins were wonky. I hope this now looks good for everyone! Please note that there are headings in the black on the left side (this one says “Personally, from Gail” – do you see it?).
Thank you to those who showed up at City Hall on Saturday in a show of support for Economic Development for the City. The Chamber feels strongly that economic development is vital for businesses in Park Ridge and that it not be relegated to an additional duty within Administration.
Dave Donovan, president of the Chamber; Dick Barton, past president; Jackie Mathews, president elect; Theresa Olson, director; Katrin Eisenberg, member; Kevin Witek, member; Marci Derrick, Chamber staff and I were all there on Saturday as a show of support! Our petition had 86 supporters to date!
Riggio’s and Rick Biagi! A big thank you to Tony Riggio at Riggio’s Ristorante on Oakton and Milwaukee for a fabulous spread for lunch last week!
And a huge thank you to Rick Biagi, an attorney with McNeal & Devitt, for speaking at the luncheon last week on social media and how employers need to be aware of legal ramifications in the use of websites such as Linked In, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc.
And thank you to the 53 who attended! It was another fabulously successful event! The following won prizes (thank you to those who donated prizes too!):
1. Microsoft Office 2007 valued at $679 was won by Ann Marie Frank, AMA Dancers (donated by Microsoft)
2. Park Ridge Taxi Gift Certificates went to John Clark, Clark Management; and Bob Suriano, Side Job Bob
3. Ken Mylander, Harris Bank, won a beautiful coral necklace designed, crafted, and donated by Prospective member and guest of Joanna Czapla (Subway on 2618 Dempster), Ivone Czapla.
4. Newsletter Insert into the Chamber monthly newsletter won by Bill Bialk, Albar Products
5. Subway 2618 Dempster Gift Cards were won by Kirsten Leys, Prudential; Ken Mylander, Harris Bank; & Bill Bialk, Albar Products
6. Travel Blanket in carrying bag was won by Mary Schurder, Center of Concern
The Business Card Winner, Chris Zalinski of Chris’ Landscape, will be featured on the cover of the May Chamber newsletter in the ‘Spotlight’.
Winning prizes are some of the many benefits of attending our Chamber monthly networking luncheons!
Linked In at the Tech Forum 15 members attended the Linked In discussion which was moderated by Ben Wilson, Falkor Group. Thank you to all who came and contributed to the lively and informative forum. It was perfect timing, coming on the heels of Rick Biagi’s talk from the luncheon the day before!
Here’s who attended – don’t forget that every time we have meetings, committees, forums – they are networking events for you and your business!
Ben Wilson, Falkor Group, LLC
Gail Haller, Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
Sue & Lou Irmo, Irmo Insurance
Susan Frangos, Higher Level Wellness
Bruce Naber, Achieve Physical Therapy
Jo Ann Arnswald, MB Financial Bank
Matt Coyne, E. J. Coyne & Company, Insurance
Carol Simantz, Catalyst Marketing Public Relations
Bruce Nelson, Nelson Music Consulting
Rick Pucci, Park Ridge Financial Advisors
Joe Campagna, Grant Merchant Services
Lynda Tourloukis, You Can Say…Yes Motivational Services
Jim Norman, Rapid Data Response
Kirsten Leys, Prudential
Mary Kay Bochenek, The Moorings of Arlington Heights (Presbyterian Homes)
Ribbon Cutting at Chickie’s Diner What a fun time at Chickie’s Diner’s Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony last Friday! If you haven’t been there yet, go have breakfast or lunch! It’s a fun place for the whole family. It will take you back to the 50’s and if you’ve never been to the 1950’s, then are you in for a treat!
Mayor Schmidt and Kim Uhlig were there along with Chamber board of directors and other Chamber members. Diddy Blyth, A Sterling Design, took a ton of pictures and Lily Bouquet and Chickie the Chicken were a hit with everyone!
Truly, with the juke box blaring, a fun time was had by all! Gary and Jacque Trick did a wonderful job – please visit them at 920 Busse Hwy (just east of Dee Road).
Electronics Recycling Day! April 24, Saturday, Electronics Recycling Day, parking lot of Senior Center, 100 S. Western. $5 per car. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hosted by the Chamber in partnership with the Park Ridge Park District. Our major sponsor is Liberty Bank for Savings and Kane Connell is the chair of the event!
Other sponsors include:
Maine Township
Highway Commission
State Farm Insurance/Ann Witek
MB Financial Bank
ING Financial Advisors
Would you like to be a sponsor? Just send me an email. All sponsors will be included in all marketing for the event.
We’ll also need lots of volunteers to help out! Hoping to get Kiwanis, Rotary, Boy Scouts, and all other service organizations!
Thank you to the City for providing a front loader and driver The people from the Sheriff Work Alternative Program (SWAP) have confirmed and will be there.
To offset the $5 per car fee, we’ll hand out a generic Chamber coupon worth $5 off any $10 purchase, good for any of the listed retailers through the end of April. No change would be given and only one coupon good per purchase. Merchants would NOT be reimbursed by the Chamber when redeemed, but it will draw people into your place of business and give you some additional exposure! Collect the used coupons and turn them in to the Chamber with your name on them, and I’ll hold a drawing for a newsletter insert valued at $150 (winner provides 650 flyers and we’ll provide insertion and mailing to all members in our monthly newsletter). It’s a win/win!
These Chamber members will appear on the $5 coupon so let me know if you want to be added to the coupon:
2 Sisters
Kustum Kribs Baby Boutique
Park Ridge Paint
Perry's Pizzaria & Ribs
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
The Perfect Dinner
Uptown Chiropractic Center
WineStyles Park Ridge
The Following Items Will Be Accepted for Recycling/Reuse:
• All computer-related equipment [Anything that can be plugged into a computer]
• TV’s
• VCR’s
• DVD players
• MP3 players
• PDA’s
• Video Game Consoles
• A/V Equipment
• Cell phones (Park Ridge Chamber will collect and donate to the www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com program.
The Following Items Will Be NOT Accepted:
• Refrigerators
• Stoves
• Microwaves
• Toasters
• Blenders
• Food processors
• Hair dryers
• Fans
• Air conditioners
• Washing machines
• Dryers
PREN 3 is forming! The Park Ridge Executive Network 3 will meet at 9 a.m. on 3rd Friday each month starting this Friday, March 19. This is a non
So far, we have:
1. Maria Renella, Mortgage Broker
2. Susan Mellin, Financial Representative, Rabjohns
3. Tom Dombro, ING Advisors Network (Insurance)
This 3rd group of PREN, a non-compete leads and referral group within the Park Ridge Chamber with only one person per profession.
The goal behind the Park Ridge Executive Network groups are to get and receive leads and referrals from other members of the group, to get to know each other, and to feel comfortable in the knowledge that a lead will be well taken care of. It’s important that all members of the group attend on a regular basis in order for the success of the group.
Rules of Engagement:
1. Park Ridge Executive Networks
• PREN 1 meets 2nd Friday
• PREN 2 meets the 4th Tuesday
• PREN 3 meets the 3rd Friday
2. PREN members must pick one PREN group and stick with it – you can check out the other PRENs to see if it’s a better fit but each member has to eventually stick with one PREN group.
3. If you miss 3 consecutive PREN meetings, then your spot becomes available for your replacement to slide in as we do have a waiting list for various professions.
This is included in your Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce annual dues at no additional charge to you!
Park Ridge Goes Green! The Retail Committee of the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce has planned a ‘Park Ridge Goes Green’ campaign from April 17-24, 2010. Can you participate?
Go to http://parkridgegoesgreen.wordpress.com/ and fill out the short two question registration form.
You can offer an incentive from your business to encourage people to bring in their own bag for shopping - whether it be a giveaway, a percentage off, or another special offer.
Cubs Game! Chamber Cubs Game
We’re at it again – providing you with more fun! Here’s an offer for Cubs tickets as a group and we’d all sit together. Rick Pucci made all the arrangements (he’s got great connections!). Don’t delay as we think these will go fast and we only had 75 to start with!
May 14, 2010
Playing the Pittsburgh Pirates
1:20 p.m. at Wrigley Field
$25 per person (discounted from $42)
Section 208 - above the Cubs Bull Pen
RSVP by April 15 or until we run out. Only 68 tickets left!
RSVP only with cash or check written out to ‘Park Ridge Chamber’ and mailed or delivered to 720 Garden Street (no credit cards for these tickets.)
Thank you to Rick Pucci for arranging this for the Chamber! Rick is with Park Ridge Financial Advisors and also sits on the Chamber board. Call him with any questions at 847.759.0055
Or email him at rickpucci@pwfinancial.net
Red Geraniums You know that the Red Geranium is the OFFICIAL flower of Park Ridge, right?
Think of how we can exploit that! (I mean that nicely, of course).
I’m hoping to be able to sell flats of red geraniums and have every house in Park Ridge fill their gardens and containers with red geraniums. We should have photo contests, drawing contests, a red geranium pageant, a red geranium parade… ok, lets start small this year and let it grow!
What can you do to show off our Red Geranium, the official flower of Park Ridge?
Mega Connect Multi-Chamber Networking Lunch With the DBR, Des Plaines, Glenview, Glencoe, Highland Park, Mt. Prospect, Niles, Northfield, Park Ridge, Skokie, Wheeling/Prospect Heights, Wilmette, Winnetka and Chicago Area Gay & Lesbian Chambers of Commerce
Thursday, March 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Bristol Court Banquets, 828 E. Rand Road, Mount Prospect (beside Brunswick bowling alley)
RSVP and Payment Due by 5 p.m. Thursday, March 11
Member Pre-Registration Fee: $25 ($35 after 5 p.m. March 11); Non-Member Fee: $35
Walk-ins strongly discouraged and may not be accommodated!
Here’s who is registered just from our Chamber and we can still get you in but at the $35 rate:
Anna Basile Sun & Moon Yoga
Diddy Blyth A Sterling Design
Mary Kay Bochenek The Moorings of Arlington Heights - Presbyterian Homes
Carlie Chislof Sun & Moon Yoga
Jim Cone WSI - We Simplify the Internet
Christine DePaepe A & N Mortgage Services, Inc.
Kevin Faley Northview Bank & Trust
Jenny Fitzgerald Sabella & Graham, P.C.
Jeannie Frankowski J.C. Lilly Windows & Doors
David Froede Bartlett Tree Experts
Orit Gordon First Data Independent Sales - Northern Illinois
Steve Kuk Comcast Business
Angela LaRue Integrity Physical Therapy
Carol Mooney Harris, N.A.
Kenneth Mylander Harris Bank
Rhonda Parrow Rainbow Hospice & Palliative Care
Maria Renella Baytree Lending
Evan Shorr The Care of Trees
Mary Tremont The Moorings of Arlington Heights - Presbyterian Homes
Member News Here’s the Chamber members I’ve visited recently:
Riggio’s Ristorante
Chickie’s Diner
MB Financial Bank
Falkor Group
Park Ridge Public Library
Noodles & Co.
Jewel Foods
Shell Gas Station at Touhy and Greenwood (our only gas station in the Chamber!)
If you have any news you’d like to add to the Monday Updates, please email me the info so all I have to do is copy and paste!
Kiwanis Shoe Drive – drop off at 720 Garden In this section is a big break of white space and I don’t know why – especially with this new, clean template. Do you know why it keeps happening?
Just during the month of March, the local AM & PM Kiwanis, an international group of volunteers dedicated to changing communities one child at a time, will be sponsoring a collection of old shoes (baby, ladies, gym shoes, regular shoes all for both men or women's) for major countries of the world-Greece, Spain, Italy, Ireland & now Chile.
Once filled the boxes are dropped off at "Share Your Soles" in Chicago where they are cleaned, stitched, and shipped overseas. The AM Kiwanis meets at 6:45 am at LaPeep Restaurant on Wednesdays and the Noon Kiwanis meets at the Summit on Tuesday at Noon. For additional info call Dave Donovan at 847-692-9077(O) or 847-696-0280(H).
Charitable Tax letters are not given for this program.
The Chamber office at 720 Garden Street is a drop off for your shoes! Bring them here between 8:30 and 4:30 M-F.
Bethany Terrace The Bethany Terrace will host “Know the 10 Warning Signs” presented by The Greater Illinois Chapter/Alzheimer’s Association on Wednesday, March 24, from 1:30 to 2:30.
This program will focus on the 10 warning signs of serious memory problems, provides a basic overview of Alzheimer’s disease, and covers risk factors, diagnosis, and the benefits of early detection. The program will also include video footage that addresses the fears and myths associated with dementia. Individuals featured in the films include real people who are living with the early stages of dementia, as well as their families.
The Bethany Terrace is located at 8425 Waukegan Road in Morton Grove. The program is free and will include light refreshments. Pre-registration is requested. For more information and to register, call (847) 933-2413
Affresco AFFRESCO Park Ridge
St. Patrick was ITALIAN! Prix-Fixe Dinner
$25/Person 4-Course Dinner
Please visit www.affrescopizzeria.com for full menu
NOW OPEN FOR BRUNCH, Every Sunday 9am-2pm
847-292-0233
Book your next special event with AFFRESCO!
Christenings, Communions, Graduation – are all around the corner!
Book now for special offerings – ask for Monica or Sergio
Appeal your Property Taxes! On Thursday, March 18th, State Senator Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) and Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Brendan Houlihan will be holding a seminar on how residents can appeal their property tax assessments.
“I want to ensure that in these times of economic uncertainty, my friends and neighbors can stay in their homes,” Kotowski said. “Owning a home is the American dream. We can’t let high property taxes take that dream away from people.”
In 2007, Kotowski passed a law to keep in place Cook County’s seven percent property tax assessment cap. This year he is co-sponsoring Senate Bill 3171, which provides an income tax deduction for individuals with grossly overpriced homes.
Because property values are at a historic low, Commissioner Brendan Houlihan is organizing taxpayer appeal seminars throughout Cook County. These seminars are opportunities for individual homeowners to seek relief in their property taxes due to a depressed market, and over valuations to their homes.
Seminar attendees are asked to bring their property tax bills. There will be a short presentation about the appeal process, and staff from the Board of Review will be on hand to answer questions, and help fill out appeal forms. Everyone who files a timely completed appeal form will be considered for a property tax value re-assessment from the Board of Review.
The seminar will take place at 7 P.M. on Thursday March 18th at Senator Kotowski’s District Office, 1300 W Higgins Road Suite 210, in Park Ridge. Anyone with questions should contact Commissioner Brendan Houlihan’s office at (312) 603-3644. The Board of Review considers appeals on a township basis. Maine Township is open for appeals until March 29th. For more information please go to www.CookCountyBoardofReview.com.
“Home prices have dropped this year, and many people are being asked to pay too much in property taxes,” Kotowski said. “Please come to the seminar or contact the Board of Review. They will help you determine if you are eligible for property tax relief.”
Principal of the Year: Steve Isoye Maine East High School
Congratulations to Steve Isoye, principal of Maine East High School for being named Principal of the Year!
WSI Webinar Title: Monetizing Facebook for Businesses: 5 Deadly Mistakes Businesses Can't Afford To Make
Date: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT
Registration Link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/957409281
(Don't forget to put in my name, James Cone, to complete your registration).
The webinar will be conducted by Baltej Gill, who is a Search Engine Marketing Specialist at WSI. Baltej has over 5 years experience in training and educating consultants and organizations on how to leverage Internet marketing in their business. He has held several workshops internationally and trained Internet marketing consultants on subjects such as search engine optimization, conversion architecture, social media and web analytics.
If you have any questions about this webinar, please give me a call at 847.430.6842
Contact me: Gail Haller
Executive Director
Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
720 Garden Street
Park Ridge, IL 60068
phone: 847.825.3121
fax: 847.825.3122
email: gail.haller@parkridgechamber.org
website: www.parkridgechamber.org
Thank you to our Platinum members
1. Accounteque Services Inc.: 847.768.9100
2. All on the Road Catering & Bakery, Barbara Tyksinski: 847.518.8958
3. AMA Dancers & Company: 847.727.7066
4. Aqua Plumbing, Heating and Cooling: 847.459.7900
5. ATI Physical Therapy: 847.292.0151
6. barrett-TECH, John Barrett: 847.823.1830
7. Cardinal Fitness of Park Ridge: 847.318.7550
8. Catalyst Marketing-Public Relations, Inc.: 847.298.8748
9. D'Agostino's Pizza & Pub: 847.518.8700
10. Falkor Group LLC: www.falkorgroup.com
11. Global Handmade Hope: 847.720.4084
12. Home Comfort Heating & Cooling: 847.824.4336
13. J.C. Lilly Windows & Doors: 773.588.4332
14. K.G.M. Plumbing, Inc.: 847.583.8988
15. le Flour Bake Shop, Nicole Bujewski, 773-631-1400
16. Leys, Kirsten; Prudential Financial Services: 847.627.3950
17. Minuteman Press of Deerfield: 847.279.8550
18. Park Ridge Community Fund: 847.825.5311
19. Periodontics of Niles, P.C. Dr. Dorothy Anasinski: 847.685.6686
20. Perry's Pizzeria & Ribs/Catering, Nick Straub: 847-823-4422
21. Pickwick Theatre: 847.825.5800
22. Resurrection Health Care, Theresa Olson: 847.813.3210
23. Ross E. Rubino, D.D.S.P.C. & Associates 847.825.1002
24. Sebastian Co. Real Estate; Don Sebastian, Jr.: 847.823.3117
25. Subway of Park Ridge at 2618 Dempster: 847.813.9552
26. The Juniper Center, Margo Jacquot: 847-759-9110
27. Unbound Technology, Joshua Nichols: 847-235-4994
28. You Can Say…Yes! Motivational Guidance Services, Lynda Tourloukis: 847.401.5787
29. Y-Tech Heating & Cooling: 847.696.0477
You can be here!
No comments:
Post a Comment